Youth on the move

In the old days, youth played a secondary role in society. They never assumed any responsibility nor was it offered. The elders played all the important roles and the youth was made legally responsible only after they attained the age of twenty-one. In many matters the decision of the elders was final.

But now times have changed. The youth appears to be revolting throughout the world. In so far the youth was following the occupation of the parent, the youth was subservient and he had to learn from the elder. But with the spread of education and diversification of jobs and the facility in travel which takes people away, family ties get slackened. When the youth was living with the parent under the same roof he was sharing the joys and sorrows of the family. Once the youth gets away from home he is not so much attached to the home.

The youth today succumbs to various influences. In those days it was the home and the school that influenced the youth. Now there are forces like the newspapers, the radio and the television, the cheap magazines and the cinema and the politicians too. The youth very rarely has any firm ideas. They sway between extremes, for example, religious fanaticism or various political ideologies. Where they are disillusioned with the society they become extremists believing in terrorism. While others turn hippies throwing all the social norms to the winds.

The formal discipline to which their parents were subject is an anathema to the youth. As they want more direction, the more they are in a disarray. They have wrong notions of freedom. The formal education that they get, does not guarantee them any job. Their ambition is high and what life and society can offer is comparatively low. While many may resign to their fate, some rise in revolt. That is why there is unrest on the campus.

Youth, the cream of society, must not be allowed to move on the path of destruction. The home and the school have a tremendous responsibility in shaping the character of youth. The youth need people to advise them to guide them and lead and show them the path of righteous, fruitful, and enjoyable activities. The correct directions given to youth can help them to be good and useful men of tomorrow.